Pubdate: Sat, 09 Feb 2013
Source: Detroit Free Press (MI)
Copyright: 2013 Detroit Free Press
Contact: http://www.freep.com/article/99999999/opinion04/50926009
Website: http://www.freep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125
Author: Gerrad Foster

MARIJUANA LAW SHOULDN'T BE POT OF GOLD FOR STATE

I found the article about the Michigan government making a windfall 
from medical marijuana registrations interesting, because the 
Michigan Medical Marijuana Act only allows for the funds collected to 
offset the costs of implementing and administering the act -- i.e. 
the registry program ("State hits jackpot on pot," Feb. 7). The fact 
that the revenue is greater than twice the cost of running the 
program raises the question: Where is the rest of the money going?

The act also allows for sliding scale fees based on family income. 
Currently, you must be a recipient of welfare and receive Medicaid, 
or if you are on Social Security disability, for the reduced $25 fee. 
This means that if you are on Social Security disability, when you 
turn 65, you go from paying $25 a year to $100 a year.

Also, if you are a disabled veteran, you cannot receive the reduced 
rate. This is because you cannot apply for SSI because you are not 
disabled enough or the VA income is too much.

Many of these veterans are low income but have no need for Medicaid, 
since the VA takes care of their medical issues. Most of the time, 
these are the issues that qualify them for medical marijuana. 
Unfortunately, many of those who voted for this law are unaware of 
how the state is abusing these patients.

Gerrad Foster,

Oxford
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom